Behavioral Assessment and Temperament Test References

The desire for a one-size-fits all-foolproof temperament test for dogs has always been the Holy Grail for those who work with dogs, especially populations of dogs of unknown history. But like the legendary Grail, a reliable test remains elusive for one simple, but frustrating reason. Not all dogs alike, nor are all people who test them, or the environments in which those tests are performed. Because of that, think of the resources below as providing individual glimpses into this complex situation, some of which may fit one particular situation better than others.

If you’d like to suggest additional resources, please e-mail mm@mmilani.com.

Foyer, Panella et al. (2014) Behaviour and experiences of dogs during the first year of life predict the outcome in a later temperament test. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Volume 155, Pages 1-110. DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.03.006

Kroll, T. et al. (2004) The Use of Novel Stimuli as Indicators of Aggressive Behavior in Dogs. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. 40: 13-19

Mirkó, Erika et al. (2013) Association between subjective rating and behavioural coding and the role of experience in making video assessments on the personality of the domestic dog, Canis familiaris. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 149: 45-54.doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2013.10.003